Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Register?

Park Quest registration for 2017 will be conducted via the Department of Natural Resources' Online Store, starting May 2, 2017. Registration will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Families will be provided with a link
for online payment. Teams who successfully complete the payment process will receive a packet of Park Quest information in the mail containing your Park Quest Passport.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is a $10 registration fee per team to participate in Park Quest 2017. The Maryland Park Service wants participants to come explore our extraordinary parks across the state.

How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Parks?

All day-use service charges are waived for only the day that teams are at a park to complete the Quest. Please remember to bring your Park Quest Passport with you to gain entry into the participating parks. Return visits to any state park may be subject to all applicable service charges.

Can We Camp For Free?

Who Can Be On A Team?

Park Quest is designed to get teams out to explore and enjoy Maryland State Parks. As such, a team consists of at least one adult and one minor 16 years old or younger. There is a limit of 10 persons per team.

What Will We Have To Do And When?

Park Quest officially begins on May 26th and ends on September 4th. The goal of your team is to visit as many of the 18 designated Maryland State Parks and complete the assigned Quest challenge. Information on the times you can complete the challenges is in the Park Quest Passport and on the Park Quest website.

Do The Quests Need To Be Completed In Order Or On Particular Days Of The Week?

The Park Quest adventures do not need to be completed in any order and teams can complete more than one in a day if they choose to do so. Any time and day restrictions will be noted on the individual park's Passport pages.

What Is The Difference Between a Basic Quest, Bonus Quest and Super Quest?

Park Quest - is an activity in a Park that requires teams to complete a challenge. These challenges range from activity sheets, hikes and scavenger hunts to canoeing and Geocacheing. Park Quest activities are designed to take the average family 1.5 -2 hours to complete. Quests that are equipment dependent are popular. We encourage teams to plan to visit these sites at off peak times so that there is a greater likelihood that the equipment will be available when you desire to use it. Equipment is only available on a first come, first served basis.

Bonus Quest - is an additional activity associated with a Quest. It is not required that you complete the Bonus Quest portion of a Park Quest activity. These activities are often more strenuous but offer teams the opportunity to continue their Quest activity beyond the basic offering. Teams are highly encouraged to complete the Bonus Quests to fully experience the park they are visiting.

Super Quest - These Quests often include activities like canoeing and kayaking. Super Quests may be directed/facilitated by Maryland Park Service Nature Tourism approved vendors. Since these Quests are being offered through a private contractor the appropriate service charges do apply.

How Do We Prove That We've Completed A Quest?

Each team will be issued a Park Quest Passport which will be used by park staff to confirm your team’s participation. When teams go to a State Park to complete a Quest, they should follow the instructions posted on the Park Quest website. Once they complete the challenge to the best of their ability, they will get their Passport endorsed.

I/My Child Has Disabilities - Can We Participate?

Yes, Park Quests are physically challenging but persons with disabilities can be accommodated on most Quests with advance notice. Contact the State Park directly at least one week prior to the day you want to complete your Quest and request assistance.

Is It Possible To Get Injured On The Park Quest?

Yes, as with any adventure there is a small possibility that a participant could be injured. Park staff members will give instructions to minimize the potential for injuries. It is important to be aware of the hazards of participating in outdoor activities and take the proper safeguards to ensure that you and your teammates have a safe enjoyable Park Quest adventure. Here are some tips to remember when recreating outdoors.